Has Mario Balotelli finally listened to Andrea Pirlo?

Mario Balotelli would be among the elite footballers in the world if a player’s ability was based purely on talent. Fortunately for the rest of us, talent alone is not enough to be a successful footballer and that’s the reason why Balotelli has spent the last two years in football purgatory and drifting out of irrelevance at Liverpool and on loan at Milan.

Balotelli was a lost cause and ruining what could of been a promising career.

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Roberto Mancini had a falling out with the Italian and wanted nothing to do with him.

This attempted roulette finish didn’t help his case either…

Liverpool saw him as the replacement for the departing Luis Suarez, but he managed to fuck that up. Then, when Jurgen Klopp took over, he couldn’t get rid of him fast enough.

The man who was Italy’s new hope at striker, the man who single-handedly carried the side at Euro 2012, and one of most verifiably insane players in the game was sliding down a slippery slope to the MLS.

But someone saw something in Balo and in the dying hours of the summer transfer window, Balotelli was signed by Nice on a free transfer from Liverpool.

A man who was only played at top clubs across Europe, besides Liverpool, was taking his talents to the French Riviera and Ligue 1.

This was the transfer to watch Balotelli sink and find his way to China or revive his career and continue to play in Europe, it was completely up to him.

Some of Balotelli’s Greatest Moments:

Red Card at Inter

In a story told by Jose Mourinho, Balotelli was his only healthy striker and the young Italian had already received a yellow card in the match. Mou directed almost all of the halftime talk to him telling him not to get a red, but in the 46th minute Balotelli was sent off.
Source: Twitter

Training Ground Fights

Euro 2012 Semifinal

In the Euro 2012 semifinal against Germany, Mario scored a brace and produced this gem of a celebration. The young Italian showed up on the world stage and led his nation almost to glory.
Source: Twitter

Fireworks in His Home

This dumbass set off fireworks in his own home causing significant damage and starting a fire. What the fuck else did you expect, Balo?
Source: Twitter

Throwing Darts at Youth Team

Being bored one day at Man City, Mario Balotelli decided it would be a grand idea to throw darts at the youth team players for fun. Every man for himself I suppose.
Source: Twitter

Why Always Me?

Days after the incident with the fireworks in his bathroom, Balotelli brandished this shirt celebrating a goal scored in the drubbing of United.
Source: Twitter

Women’s Prison

One day, Balotelli was caught driving into a women's prison because he wanted to have a look around. Why?
Source: Twitter

Bib Troubles

In one of the funniest series of events, Balotelli has issues attempting to put on a bib in training. Don't worry, with assistance the striker is able to solve the problem by getting a new bib.
Source: Twitter

Is it possible that for the first time in his life, Balo is actually being responsible? Or does he simply realize that this is his last opportunity to make it as a big name striker?

Italian and bearded legend, Andrea Pirlo, has always held the striker in highest regard throughout his time on the Azzurri with the crazy son of a bitch.

I have played with some of the best strikers, and I can tell you Mario has all the attributes to be one of the best strikers in the world. By now I thought that is where he would be, that is where he should be. He has no more time to waste.

Andrea Pirlo

Whether Balotelli listened to the Italian muse or not, he managed to find some sort of inspiration as has began his French Renaissance in spectacular fashion.

Balotelli’s four goals in two games in Ligue 1 has set shockwaves through France and propelled Nice to first place in the table, a point above PSG.

Maybe Balotelli won’t be his own worst enemy and shoot himself in the foot.

Maybe, just maybe, Balotelli’s on-field play will overshadow his off-field antics and typically unpredictable behavior.